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Australian Interior Design Awards 2026 Sydney Recap

19 Jun 2026

Off the Drawing Board with SemiCreative
Off the Drawing Board with Xylo Woodcraft
Original Thinking in an Age of Replicas: Why We’re Supporting the Australian Interior Design Awards

Australian Creative Excellence.

The 2026 Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) once again celebrated the very best of Australian creative excellence. As a proud sponsor of the Installation Design category, it was inspiring to recognise the innovative exhibitions that brought their different stories to life.

This year's Installation Design category recognised two exceptional exhibition experiences: Our Wondrous Planet by Melbourne Museum and Lynda Draper: Glimmer by Youssofzay Hart. From immersive explorations of the natural world to a celebration of contemporary ceramic artistry, both installations showcase the power of design to engage, inspire, and connect audiences with compelling stories.

Read more about the 2026 Installation Design Winners here.

Photography: Hamish McIntosh (left), Dianna Snape (right).

Harriet & Kiri's Sydney Highlights

After their week exploring Sydney, Harriet and Kiri have gathered a few of the destinations, exhibitions and memorable finds that made the trip extra special.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

A frequent stop whenever in Sydney, the MCA remains one of our favourite destinations for contemporary art. Exhibition highlights included Ricky Swallow's Bent Forms #1-4 (cast forms of four everyday stainless steel spoons) and Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir, which considers the commodification and misrepresentation of Aboriginal culture through assemblage of ephemera and other 'souvenir' items.

Sydney Biennale & Vivid

Sydney was buzzing with creativity, with both the Biennale and Vivid transforming the city into an expansive public gallery. Spanning multiple locations, the events showcased contemporary ideas across art, design and technology. Vivid's illuminated installations were a particular highlight, turning the city into a brightly lit canvas and spectacle

Alberto's Lounge

Under a glowing neon sign, sits a familiar neighbourhood Italian restaurant and wine bar hidden down an alley in Surry Hills. Think all things Italian; hand cut pastas and bold Negronis.

Camilla and Marc, Rosebery

A must go destination for your high street AU designers and their outlet stores, housed within restored industrial warehouses. Close by is the infamous Blackstar bakery for a slice of the 'most instagrammed cake'.

Mitchell Road Antiques

Located in Alexandria, Mitchell Road Antiques is always worth a visit for lovers of vintage design and unique finds. Wandering through the vast collection of dealers and Mid-Century pieces felt like a treasure hunt, with every corner revealing something unexpected. Still thinking of the ceramics and vintage Ikea pendant left behind, until next time!!!